POLOKWANE – Two of the bigger taxi organisations in Polokwane have recorded no accidents or fatalities over the Easter weekend in Polokwane, according to their respective leaders.
The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and South African Taxi Council (Santaco) attributed this to continuous awareness campaigns by the Department of Transport, along with the patience exercised by commuters during traffic congestion during peak periods between April 6-10.
Notwithstanding, the two associations once more expressed dismay at the number of commuters who hitch-hike, highlighting the dangers.
Santaco chairperson in the Capricorn region, David Mosoma said three Zimbabwean nationals were recently robbed of R10 000 by people who pretended to give them a lift.
“They were picked up at the Botlokwa hiking spot near the Correctional Service facility in Hospital Street. They then came to tell us about the incident, asking that we help police with locating the perpetrators, while they ignored our safer forms of transportation just to save a few rands in the first place,” he told Polokwane Observer.
Limpopo NTA spokesperson, Frans Kgasago pleaded with residents to consider safety, urging with them to at least negotiate a fee with taxi drivers instead of putting themselves in harm’s way.
Both organisations recognise commuters for their support.
“We also appreciate their cooperation because we were not informed of any disagreements or disputes between drivers and commuters in the province,” Kgasago remarked.
